Dorée en Sauce Arachide Épicée
A flavorful whole fish (Dorée, often Tilapia or similar white fish) prepared with a spicy peanut sauce, showcasing a common yet adaptable preparation method in Burkinabé cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole fish (Tilapia or similar)(cleaned and scaled, about 400-500g each)
- 200 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 200 g Tomatoes(pureed)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1/2 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 300 ml Water or fish broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Score the sides of the whole fish with a few diagonal cuts. Season generously inside and out with salt, black pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
💡 Tip: Scoring helps the fish cook evenly and absorb flavors. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Sear the fish for about 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove fish and set aside.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; sear fish in batches if necessary. - 3
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the pureed tomatoes and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with warm water or fish broth until smooth. This ensures a lump-free sauce.
💡 Tip: Using warm liquid helps to dissolve the peanut butter more easily. - 6
Pour the smooth peanut butter mixture into the skillet with the tomato base. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut butter is fully incorporated into the tomato mixture. - 7
Return the seared fish to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Add enough water or broth to come halfway up the sides of the fish.
💡 Tip: The sauce should not completely submerge the fish, allowing it to steam and cook through. - 8
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
💡 Tip: Baste the fish with the sauce occasionally during cooking. - 9
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the fish with the peanut sauce spooned over, accompanied by rice or tô.
💡 Tip: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- ✓If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- ✓Using fish broth will enhance the overall fish flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced okra or bell peppers to the sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Grill or bake the fish separately and serve with the peanut sauce.
- For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the pureed tomatoes.